14/01/2026

January 14, 2026

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

âś’ Headlines & Industry

The Australian Government Treasury is seeking industry feedback on modernising the National Construction Code (NCC) following the transfer of the Australian Building Codes Board in July 2025. The review aims to streamline the NCC, improve usability and reduce regulatory costs while maintaining safety and quality. Submissions close 6 February 2026.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has released its 2025–29 Strategic Plan, outlining a vision to strengthen the construction industry through fair, transparent regulation. Priorities include consumer protection, improved compliance, faster dispute resolution, digital transformation, workforce capability, organisational efficiency and collaboration to deliver safer, more sustainable building outcomes across Queensland.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

A $293 million mixed-use seniors housing development at Rhodes has received conditional State Significant Development approval in NSW. The two-tower project will deliver 356 apartments, aged-care accommodation, retail and community facilities. Extensive flood mitigation, basement parking and public domain upgrades will reshape this key transit-oriented precinct.

The $1.18 billion Project Duke Data Centre in Mascot, Sydney, has been approved with strict urban design conditions. The four-storey facility will feature nine data halls, offices, 35 car spaces, 32 bike racks, and robust backup power, supporting 600 construction jobs and 30 ongoing roles while enhancing Sydney’s digital infrastructure.

The $118.6 million Gordon TOD in Sydney has received conditional SSD approval for 100 apartments—69 market, 31 affordable—across two nine-storey buildings with two basement levels. Designed by PTW Architects, the project includes communal open space, parking, and sustainable landscaping, creating 194 construction jobs and supporting NSW housing and TOD targets.

Stage One of East Lismore’s 400-home development is moving ahead, delivering around 100 flood-resilient, affordable homes on a 72-hectare site. A partnership between Landcom and NSW Reconstruction Authority will invest $90 million in infrastructure and housing, prioritising flood-affected residents, with community feedback open until February 16, 2026.

QLD

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has launched a search for a principal consultant to lead the design of a new whitewater facility that will host canoe slalom events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Ulinda Park BESS Phase Two has been announced, adding a 195 MW/780 MWh battery expansion near Hopeland–Chinchilla in Queensland. The Akaysha Energy project will connect to Powerlink’s Western Downs 275 kV Terminal Station and was selected in September 2025 under round three of the Federal Government’s Capacity Investment Scheme. Phase one was completed in Dec 2025.

Queensland LNP plans to “call in” two major battery projects: Potentia Energy’s 300 MW Capricorn BESS near Bouldercombe and Trina Solar’s 200 MW Pleystowe BESS near Mackay. Despite council approval, local MPs cited fire, safety, and land-use concerns. The moves raise uncertainty for renewables and storage in the coal-heavy state.

TAS

Hydro Tasmania has demolished the 110-metre smokestack at the former Bell Bay oil-fired power station near the Tamar River using a controlled explosive blast. The 1970s-era plant, later converted to gas before closing in 2009, is nearing full decommissioning, with site repurposing works expected to finish in early 2026. Watch the video now.

TasPorts has awarded Hazell Brady Joint Venture the design-and-construct contract for Macquarie Wharf 6 in Hobart, the first stage of the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project. The $188 million project, funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, will upgrade wharf infrastructure, shore power for RSV Nuyina, and supporting facilities to bolster Australia’s Antarctic program, trade, and cruise activity. Site works start in 2026, with completion expected before August 2028.

VIC

Victoria has introduced expanded planning controls for 17 Melbourne waterways and sections of the Barwon, Leigh, Moorabool, and Yarrowee rivers. New rules require permits for vegetation removal, major earthworks, and high fencing, aiming to protect waterway function, biodiversity, urban cooling, flood resilience, and cultural values for long-term environmental health.

WA

Contractor SRG Global is taking the extraordinary step of seizing a luxury apartment over unpaid debts in a financial fight with a builder linked to Victor Goh’s Elizabeth Quay project.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Bluebeam has launched Task Link, a new integration between Revu and GoCanvas that connects office and field workflows in real time. The update enables instant task syncing, mobile data capture and a single source of truth, while new iOS and Android app upgrades improve on-site markups, measurements, collaboration and offline document access.

The largest temporary formwork system in the Southern Hemisphere was installed at Westmead for Sydney Metro West, enabling a 1,941-tonne concrete pour to form the 2.5 m-thick cavern walls. The seven-storey, 21 m-high, 315-tonne structure helped complete the 26 m-tall Westmead station cavern, the tallest on the network—a major engineering milestone for Gamuda Australia and Laing O’Rourke.

Hitachi Construction Machinery has invested A$4.54 million in Rithmik Solutions to boost AI-driven analytics for mining and construction equipment. Trials across 46 machines proved early fault detection reduced downtime and fuel use. The partnership will enhance predictive maintenance, productivity and sustainability across global mining operations.

Six US contech startups raised $124.5M in Q4 2025, highlighting AI’s growing role in construction. Funding targeted platforms for permitting, preconstruction, scheduling, procurement, and design optimization. Startups like PermitFlow, Attentive.AI, and Unlimited Industries are scaling AI-driven solutions to improve accuracy, speed, and predictability amid labor shortages and complex project demands.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Queensland’s new Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026) took effect on 1 January, embedding sustainability, waste reduction, and recycling in construction and concrete supply chains. The policy supports green technologies, decarbonisation, ethical and inclusive suppliers, and emissions reduction across building, infrastructure, transport, ICT, and utilities, aiming to strengthen resilient communities and economic opportunities for diverse businesses.

🌏 Around the World

Poland’s Port Polska megaproject, including a new international airport west of Warsaw, has secured nearly 65% of required land and 76% of residential buildings through a voluntary acquisition programme. Offering bonuses, replacement-value pricing, and relocation support, the scheme reduces reliance on expropriation and enables construction of the airport, high-speed rail, and highway upgrades to start, with the hub set to open in 2032.

UK data centres face a rapidly growing energy challenge, with electricity demand expected to quintuple in five years. Their 24/7 operations, high IT loads, and concentrated energy use require reliable, low-carbon power. Developers must balance proximity to users, grid access, and cost. Solutions include grid-tied supply, on-site generation, and hybrid models, with PPAs, renewables, and nuclear options emerging to meet demand sustainably. High UK electricity prices and grid delays complicate expansion, prompting innovative approaches like energy parks and behind-the-meter generation.

đź“– Miscellaneous

What is the global water cycle and how is it amplifying climate disasters?

Extreme weather in 2025 highlights a destabilised global water cycle, linking floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves worldwide. In Australia, Queensland faced unprecedented flooding and disease outbreaks, while Europe and Asia endured heatwaves and displacements. Warmer temperatures amplify evaporation and rainfall intensity, causing “climate whiplash.” Preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and understanding water cycle shifts are critical to managing future disasters.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

NextGen Skills and Skill Hire will merge to form Western Australia’s largest apprenticeship, training and employment services provider under the IntoWork Group. The integration aims to streamline operations, reduce red tape and improve efficiency while maintaining existing staff, programs and apprentice placements, strengthening workforce support for WA’s construction and trades sector.

Water Corporation has appointed Neema Premji and Louise Pratt to its Board for three-year terms, enhancing expertise in infrastructure, finance, governance, and community engagement. The appointments follow Deputy Chair Helen Creed’s departure and coincide with CEO Pat Donovan’s leadership renewal, strengthening the Board during a period of transition and increasing female representation.

NAWIC enters 2026 energised after its 30th anniversary, continuing its volunteer-led mission to achieve gender equity in construction. Last year, the organisation expanded advocacy, secured $5 million federal funding for culture-change programs, grew membership, and celebrated women through nine Awards for Excellence events nationw

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